Image combining in image processing apparatus

Abstract

An image processing system assigns weight factors to two respective image signals of the equivalent color space so that the two image signals are combined according to the respective weight factors. For example, two weight factors having a sum of unity are assigned to the respective image signals. Alternatively, two weight factors are assigned independently.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An image processing apparatus comprising: first color conversion means for converting plural sets of color-decomposed signals representing a plurality of images into plural sets of equivalent color space signals;   image processing means for combining the plural sets of equivalent color space signals to produce a set of combined equivalent color sapce signals representing a combined image; and   second color conversion means for converting the set of combined equivalent color space signals into a set of colorant signals to be used for reproducing the combined image,   the image processing means receiving two sets of equivalent color space signals and comprising means for assigning two weight factors having a sum of unity to the two respective sets of equivalent color space signals so that the two sets of equivalent color space signals are combined according to the respective weight factors.   
     
     
       2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for reading the plurality of images to produce the plural sets of color-decomposed signals. 
     
     
       3. An image processing apparatus comprising: first color conversion means for converting plural sets of color-decomposed signals representing a plurality of images into plural sets of equivalent color space signals;   image processing means for combining the plural sets of equivalent color space signals to produce a set of combined equivalent color sapce signals representing a combined image; and   second color conversion means for converting the set of combined equivalent color space signals into a set of colorant signals to be used for reproducing the combined image, the image processing means comprising means for assigning a plurality of independent weight factors to the plural respective sets of equivalent color space signals so that the plural set of equivalent color space signals are combined according to the respective weight factors.   
     
     
       4. An image processing apparatus comprising: first color conversion means for converting plural sets of color-decomposed signals representing a plurality of images into plural sets of equivalent color space signals;   image processing means for combining the plural sets of equivalent color space signals to produce a set of combined equivalent color sapce signals representing a combined image; and   second color conversion means for converting the set of combined equivalent color space signals into a set of colorant signals to be used for reproducing the combined image,   the image processing means comprising means for independently assigning a first set of weight factors to lightness information of the plural respective sets of equivalent color space signals and a second set of equivalent color space signals and a second set of weight factors to chromaticity information of the plural respective sets of equivalent color space signals.   
     
     
       5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the image processing means comprises means for selecting between chromaticity information of the set of combined equivalent color space signals and separately provided chromaticity information. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the image processing means comprises means for selecting between chromaticity information of the set of combined equivalent color space signals and chromaticity information of one of the plural sets of equivalent color space signals.